Mack decides to run for Senate after all

U.S. Rep. Connie Mack has changed his mind and will jump into the U.S. Senate race seeking to challenge Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, according to Washington-based reports.

Mack, a Republican from southwest Florida and the son of former U.S. Sen. Connie Mack of Florida, had initially declined to run. But Politico and the St. Petersburg Times both reported early Thursday that Mack plans to get in the race.

An advisor to Mack, David James, told Politico that the congressman is definitely entering the race.

Mack initially was a supporter of Senate President Mike Haridopolos, but Haridopolos dropped out of the Republican primary earlier this year.

The remaining Republicans in the race are George LeMieux, Adam Hasner, Craig Miller and Mike McCallister.